Family Friendly
Although this route may not be suitable for young children, older kids will enjoy the remarkable views of the canyon.

Description

The West Rim Trail begins at the Cloudland Canyon State Park Interpretive Center. Gorgeous viewpoints including the Main Overlook can be accessed from here as well. Shortly after the trailhead, the 2-mile Waterfalls Trail will spur off to the right. Keep straight to stay on the West Rim Trail and continue the trail to the canyon floor.

After a steep descent into the canyon, visitors will cross a bridge over Daniel Creek and begin climbing up the west rim of the canyon. During the ascent, visitors will face a few switchbacks before reaching the top. Keep your eyes peeled, for two small caves large enough to fit one person can be spotted during the climb.

A little over a mile into the journey, the trail forks. Completing the loop in a clockwise formation allows visitors to first experience the wooded area atop the west rim, an area where massive quartz boulders are abundant. Soon after, the trail crosses a road and leads to the first overlook. This overlook, located on the northwest mouth of the canyon, offers amazing views 1,200 feet above Trenton and other small towns visible from the viewpoint.

As the trail continues, hikers will pass the state park cabins and a numerous amount of stunning viewpoints overlooking Cloudland Canyon. Soon enough, the loop will complete leaving visitors to finish the final mile back to the trailhead at the Interpretive Center. The West Rim Trail at Cloudland Canyon State Park is a real gem in northwest Georgia, and is definitely worth your while.